“Happiness must be shared. Selfishness is its enemy; to make another happy is to be happy one’s self. It is quiet, most easily won in moments of solitude and reflection. It comes from within.” William Ogden

The day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly to promote happiness as a universal goal and aspiration in the lives of people around the globe. UNO
Until you are happy with who you are, you will never be happy with what you have. Zig Ziglar
Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself. Ralph Waldo Emerson
To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him. Buddha

Happy International Day Of Happiness! Happy First Day of Spring. When Jayme Illien of Illien Global Public Benefit Corporation approached the United Nations Organization, in 2011, with a proposal to have March 20 designated as International Happiness Day, he had no idea that it would soon boomerang into a global movement that continues to grow in strength. It was a project close to Jayme’s heart and on June 28, 2012, the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki moon and the 193 member states joined the United Nations General Assembly to unanimously adopt UN resolution 66/281 which agreed, in part, that “the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal…” The UN theme this year is on International Happiness and Immigration. Tomorrow, across the globe, people will gather to celebrate this special day and there are so many ways we can join in and increase our happiness quotient. First of all, abandon the idea that happiness is only for people with perfect lives. That is nonsense. If you live in this world you will certifiably have your share of struggle. What makes the difference is your ability to learn, grow, and help your fellow man/woman

This year, the pledge we take for happiness is to agree to do our part: “I will try to create more happiness in the world around me.” The second 2018 theme is Share Happiness. While you are at it, consider some of the helpful data coming through the research on the subject. The World Happiness Report 2018 contends that the top countries tend to have high values for the six key variables that support well-being: income, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust and generosity. When we have these variables in place, it removes some of the edge that poverty and inequality bring to the mix. So this year, I am including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that the UN created and we expect to achieve them around the world by 2050. How? With each of us doing our part and using the following hashtags to spread the word: #ShareHappiness#HappyDay #InternationalDayofHappiness

“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” Helen Keller

Motivation Mondays: International Day of Happiness & Global Goals

If you let go a little you will have a little happiness. If you let go a lot you will have a lot of happiness. If you let go completely you will be free. Ajahn Chah
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Albert Schweitzer
Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. Omar Khayyam
If you have given up hope of ever being happy, cheer up. Never lose hope. Your soul, being a reflection of the ever joyous Spirit, is, in essence, happiness itself. Paramhansa Yogananda
Be ever happy inside. You can’t change things outside of you, but you can change yourself.
Happiness is like a plant: It must be watered daily with giving thoughts and actions. Swami Kriyananda

Why an International Day of Happiness? What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals? When we combine our own efforts to live a happy and gratitude filled life with a conscious effort to observe the lives of others on this planet , it becomes easier to imagine wanting it for others. The happiest people/leaders provide for all their citizens including immigrants in their nations. They recognize that when some are oppressed, while a small percentage enjoys everything, it makes for an imbalanced nation with growing resentments from the masses.

According to Dr Rick Hanson who conducts research in the neuroscience of happiness, and data gathered in other World Happiness Reports, there is evidence to suggest that if we want to maintain our overall well-being and neural bases, we need four key supports; 1. sustained positive emotions. 2. recovery from negative emotions. 3. empathy, altruism, and pro-social behavior, and 4. a good dose of mind-wandering, mindfulness and emotion captured attention. So consider that taking action on this day fits in well with things we can do to affect our mind and mood in a positive way. Now before you think the 6 key variables and these 4 key supports are out of your reach, stop and think about the mindset behind the thought. It takes some effort to develop new ways of viewing the world and our lives but, if we make a commitment to honor our higher goals and make our inner and outer lives better, we can do it.

What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals? The late Stephen Hawking was a great mind and his views in the video shared above will add meaning to the idea that we are one family on this planet. The UN created the goals with three key aspects in mind, to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet – That said, the UN also put together a list of actions that can help you make a difference in everyday life. Which goal or goals do you want to see achieved most in your lifetime? Please pick up to 4 selections from the choices below and share your dream for the world on those you chose. Are they feasible? Can we achieve them? I say yes but each of us must weigh in. The 17 sustainable development goals are geared to create a global village that is sustained through our efforts to achieve the following:Goal 1: No Poverty Goal 2: Zero Hunger Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being Goal 4: Quality Education Goal 5: Gender Equality Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Goal 13: Climate Action Goal 14: Life Below Water Goal 15: Life on Land Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. Guillaume Apollinaire
For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind. Ralph Waldo Emerson
There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. Thich Nhat Hanh
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Buddha
This much is certain: when a man is happy, happy to the core and root beatitude, he is no longer conscious of himself or anything else. Meister Eckhart

What more can we do to achieve Happiness in our lives? Again, I will share the 10 given to us last year because they hold universal and long lasting truths. According to Action For Happiness, there are 10 keys to living our dreams and a happier life: 1. Giving – Do for others. 2. Relating – Connect w/ people. 3. Exercising – Take care of your body. 4. Awareness – Live life mindfully 5. Trying Out – Keep Learning anew 6. Direction – Have goals. 7. Risilience – Find ways to bounce back. 8. Emotions – Look for good. 9. Acceptance – Be comfortable with YOU. AND 10. Meaning – Add meaning to your life by being part of something bigger… Our actions and participation in things that matter to us are important aspects of the work needed to create more Happiness in our lives.

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)comCategory tag: – Share your post using Motivation MondaysTwitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnMDedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-upFacebook Page:MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)Tag: – Motivation MondaysHashtag: – #MotvnM

Happy International Day of Happiness to you too Elizabeth, or maybe it would be more appropriate to wish you a lifetime of happiness, since that’s what we should all be striving for. Contentment and happiness for all of our fellow men and women.

Hi Elizabeth!
As usual your post is filled with very interesting information. Had not heard about the origin of the International Happiness Day. Thank you for doing your bit spreading happiness. I’ll do so, too, sharing your post.

And a Happy International Day of Happiness to you too, Elizabeth! I think I’ve become a happier person ever since I became a mom. I think this is why they call kids – babies to be exact – bundles of joy. 🙂

I did not know that it is happiness day OR that happiness day even existed. I now feel called to pay homage to this! and how nice that it goes in line with the first day of spring! I’ll be filling up my instagram feed VERY soon with happiness-related pictures. @amylynnsjourney

Belated happy – happy day! Its fantastic to see a day dedicated to such a wonderful emotion/gesture. I agree with you, our own happiness radiates and can cause a sunray of happiness for others, its the little things. Practice happiness in anyway you can each and other day, I think it makes life come alive 🙂

Happy first day of spring!!! I love the happiness and feeling of springtime… I choose to be happy most of the time and just don’t let things get me down but as spring comes yiu can’t help but feel optimism!!

I LOVE the 10 keys to living our dreams and a happier life! I 100% believe these to be true! Giving to others is always something that brings more happiness to my life. I also try to practice consistent exercising, positive thinking (looking for the good) and accepting and loving myself unconditionally! What a great post!

Happy International Day, dear Elizabeth! Love the 17 sustainable development goals that are set, inspiring decency and a foundation for which we can have our basic needs met! Also appreciate the actionable guidelines to be happy – outing these in my journal for deeper contemplation! To me, #10 (meaning) aligns with Maslow’s hierarchy – self realization.

I didn’t know it was an International Day of Happiness … 😀 The first day of spring has been welcomed with a snow storm here though. I have saved this in my notes for future reminder “if we want to maintain our overall well-being and neural bases, we need four key supports; 1. sustained positive emotions. 2. recovery from negative emotions. 3. empathy, altruism, and pro-social behavior, and 4. a good dose of mind-wandering, mindfulness and emotion captured attention. ” 🙂

I think that now more than ever there is much need for an international day of happiness, especially with the amount of poverty and war that there is in the world. So I like that we can welcome the beginning of spring with a smile on our faces. Let us make merry and lead each other into a world there happiness and positivity thrives.

This is my absolute favourite time of year! Everything feels so lovely, so fresh, and so green. New beginnings of spring are a constant reminder of the amazing things to come during the rest of the year, and of happiness. 🙂 Happy Spring, Elizabeth!

First, I had no idea that there was an International Happiness Day. But, I am inspired by the pledge. It is a lofty goal for all of us as global citizens; still it is an imperative that we each need to promise to one another in our smaller communities and to ourselves if we truly want the world to become a better place. If we are able to become selfless enough to think of the good of others, we might have a chance of meeting the UN’s broader aim of peace.

I think all 17 Sustainable Development Goals are important. Gender quality and education can help all goals be achieved. Climate Action is extremely important too. I truly hope the goals are met in my lifetime or that we’re at least close to achieving them.

What a great thing Mr. Illeon did. I’m disappointed that I missed Happiness Day! I slept right through it. This depression is waiting for the weather to say spring I’m afraid. Had I known and been awake I would have faked my way through it because sometimes that helps bring out the real thing.

“I will try to create more happiness in the world around me.” is such a wonderful life mantra. If everyone tried even a teeny tiny bit to follow it, I think we’d all be a LOT happier and the world would be a nicer place!

I am not aware of Happy International Day! I am glad to learn about it here. I also love there are 10 tips to show us how to stay happy. I hope this article will reach more people and help them realized the importance of staying happy.

I had no idea about the International Day of Happiness until I read this post and I’m so grateful for this. I love that you’re spreading awareness because honestly, we need more kindness in the world. I think those global goals are important as well. It’s a must that we do as much as we can to save the world.

What a beautiful post on this amazing day. I am all in to pledge that I will try to create more happiness in the world around me. A little happiness from everyone and the world be a lot nice and happy place.

I definitely didn’t know it was the international day of happiness. I vowed to be positive even if I couldn’t constantly be happy and its changed my outlook on life. I’m more present with the people around me and I’m better at making them happy!

wow.. i wasn’t aware that there is this international day of happiness celebration. though on thing that i believe is that happiness is really important in life and it’s something that we really be thankful for. 🙂

Happiness is an inside job. I learned that no one can make you happy, its up to each person to choose to be happy at any point in time and look for positive side of things 🙂 Adding meaning to the things we do and people we meet its one of my greatest goals.

Happiness has been elusive to some who don’t really know what it means to be happy. Some think that it is based one a big house, a number of cars, or money in the bank. But if we are going to think it carefully, the kind of happiness that just deals with the material things are only the kind of fleeting happiness and doesn’t last for long.

Happiness can sometimes feel elusive, with the daily stress and frustrations we have constantly around us, it’s good to remind ourselves happiness is simple, just got to take a step back and realize it.

I realized that being happy is a deliberate choice and one obvious way to increase happiness is of course to have a positive outlook. I love this quote from Karen Magee – “The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.”

“I will try to create more happiness in the world around me”… I was reading this sentence out a loud and I’m surprised by the energy it gave when I did. I suddenly recalled how I have been sponsoring this World Vision kid but never write to her once. Maybe I should… and hopefully give her a little happiness.

Wow! To be honest.. I don’t eve know this, like we have International Day of Happiness. I would say I am really learning reading your blogs. I always wanted this quote in mind: Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections. Thanks for reminding.

I didn’t know that there is such a day like International Happiness Day, I’d think that every day should be that 🙂 But I love the concept that it is not just about your own happiness, but about making sure that you are contributing to spreading it in the world. Happiness doesn’t stand on its own.

Thanks for sharing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals! I only know 5 of them! That’s so embarrassing, I’m going to remember them all and hopefully be able to at least help achieve one of them. Working on 12 and 13 now.

Happy international day of happiness! I have never heard of this day until this year, and I’m glad it’s a global movement. We need more of this going around. I especially love the quote: If you let go completely you will be free. This is something I’m working on this very moment. I’m so glad you wrote about this very important topic.

I enjoy giving happiness it’s the best feeling in the world. A Selfish being does nothing for you it only levels up your ego. I agree that excericising and acceptance can play a major positive role. We all need to do a few great things daily so we are living our best life.

Wow, I’m so happy that you have celebrated the Happy International day of Happiness. This remind me that despite the chaos world that we are living in now, it is always great to be happy even in simple things. Thank you so much for this.

I had no idea the first day of spring was also Happy International day of Happiness! I think this is amazing – we need a day happiness with everything that’s going on in the world that can bring you down – and what better day then the first day of spring!